Some implants are made from skin, bone or other body tissues. Others are made from metal, plastic, ceramic or other materials.

Implants can be placed permanently or they can be removed once they are no longer needed. For example, stents or hip implants are intended to be permanent. But chemotherapy ports or screws to repair broken bones can be removed when they no longer needed.

The risks of medical implants include surgical risks during placement or removal, infection, and implant failure. Some people also have reactions to the materials used in implants.

All surgical procedures have risks. These include bruising at the surgical site, pain, swelling and redness. When your implant is inserted or removed, you should expect these types of complications.

Infections are common. Most come from skin contamination at the time of surgery. If you get an infection, you may need to have a drain inserted near the implant, take medication, or even have the implant removed.

Over time, your implant could move, break, or stop working properly. If this happens, you may require additional surgery to repair or replace the implant.